VISIONS OF AMERICA
FALL, 2018
October through December, 2018
TUESDAY EVENINGS FROM 7:30 TO 9:00 PM

FOR THIS NEW SEASON OF DISCUSSIONS, THE INSTITUTE STUDY CIRCLE WILL FOCUS ON diverse expressions of the distinctive visions of America
nurtured in American history. The ideas and ideals of the Founding Brothers such as Jefferson, Paine and Franklin will provide a framework for focus on
the aims and purposes of the American experiment. The distinctive visions of the Transcendentalists, the Progressive Reformers and the cultural innovators in
literature, art and music will be explored. How the development of educational opportunities and civic participation drew out the potential for individual
freedom and social progress will be analyzed. The expansion of an inclusive global vision embedded in the promise of American ideals will be evaluated.
We will explore the concept of "vision" and how these visions have influenced 20th century and contemporary society will be identified.
Readings will be posted and questions will be encouraged.

Utopian Experiments

John Muir

Thomas Jefferson

Transcendentalists

Frederick Douglass

Thomas Paine

Great Seal of the U.S.

Edward Bellamy

Native American Basketmaker

“Every science has for its basis a system of principles as fixed and unalterable as those by which the universe is regulated and governed.
Man cannot make principles, he can only discover them.” ~Age of Reason, Thomas Paine

Early Visions in Colonial America
The concept of "vision" and its relevance to America; John Winthrop on the beacon light on the hill; the Mayflower Compact on civil obligation; Roger Williams on religious freedom and the seperation of church and state; William Penn on the principles of conscience and non-violence; Anne Hutchinson on the inner light.

Founding Vision of the Republic (1776–1821)
The Declaration of Independence, self-evident truths, liberty, equality, consent of the governed, and the pursuit of happiness; Thomas Paine on Deism, the rights of man, and the right of revolution

We will take a holiday break so there will be no meetings on December 18th or 25th. The Study Circle will resume with Visions of America on January 8th, 2019, of. Topics on that theme that we would like to consider are listed below.

VISIONS OF AMERICA (CONTINUED)

January

The Transcendental VisionRalph Waldo Emerson on the nature of the Over-Soul. We will read parts of the essay aloud during the meeting and discuss.

New Approaches to ReligionThe Republic of Mind and Spirit, Catherine Albanese; Liberal Theology; cosmic perspectives: Theosophy and New Thought; Self-discovery in the poetry of Walt Whitman; Parliament of the World’s Religions-west meets east

The Principles and Activism of the Abolition Movement
John Woolman on the abolition of slavery; the message of “The Liberator”; “Here I stand, I can do no other . . . ”; voices of protest: William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, John Brown, etc.; the Gettysburg Address and the leadership of Abraham Lincoln.

The Visions of Progressive Reform
Community activism for the poor: Jane Addams, Florence Kelley; political activism and legislative reform; the Socialist vision of Edward Bellamy; the promise of American life according to Herbert Croly

Visions of Nature and the Frontier
John Muir on conservation and the value of National Parks; the west/frontier as a teacher of humanity

Expressions of American Culture
Music: Aaron Copland; creativity and freedom in jazz; the comic vision of Mark Twain; the images and values in movies and the influence of radio; arts and crafts in America